(ALNWICK-HALDIMAND, ON) On Thursday October 17, 2013 Northumberland Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were advised that an Alnwick-Haldimand resident had become a victim of the “Emergency Scam†fraud.
The female Pinnacle Hill Road resident had advised OPP that two days prior to contacting police she had received a phone call advising that her friend was in jail and someone was suing him for $2,000. The victim forwarded by Money Gram the amount of $1,965 to a male by the name of “Pierre Brodeur†to an address in Lasalle, Quebec. The victim then received a second call on October 17 with the caller saying that her friend was being sued and required $1,500. She then contacted OPP.
The “Emergency Scam†usually involves someone portraying a family member or close friend. It plays to the victim’s emotions and projects a sense of urgency, usually a car accident or in this case, jail. The fraudster will then direct the victim where to send the money to and is usually a false name and address. Western Union, Money Gram and Canada Post Money Transfers are some of the methods of choice for money transfers used by fraudsters.
OPP would like to remind residents should they receive a call of this nature to keep calm, take their time to ask questions to the caller, such as things that may only be known between themselves and the family member or friend. Calling the family member or friend BEFORE sending anything to confirm an actual emergency will also protect you from losing your hard earned money to fraudsters.
Once the money has been sent there is no way to get the funds back.
For more information on the Emergency Scam and other types of Fraud, please go on line to Canadian Anti-Fraud Center at www.antifraudcentre.ca